At the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), a nonprofit group focused on helping victims escape human trafficking honored NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and former president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Mark Baker with its highest award.
Flights to Freedom flies human trafficking survivors to their loved ones or transports them to support groups. Established in 2024, the organization works with federal and state law enforcement agencies, district attorneys and child protective services, and partners with general aviation to take advantage of “the unmatched speed and flexibility” it makes possible for rescue operations.
CEO Ken Lux and industry pioneer Clay Lacy gave Bolen and Baker the Flights to Freedom Clay Lacy Friendship Medal, making them the first recipients of the award for their work in support of the nonprofit’s mission.
In presenting the award, Lux recognized Bolen for “outstanding support in raising awareness for the Flights to Freedom mission. His leadership has been instrumental in highlighting the urgent need to rescue children from human trafficking, and in showcasing the vital role the aviation community can play in helping Flights to Freedom achieve these critical goals.”
“I am touched to receive this award from Flights to Freedom and Clay Lacy, a legend in our industry,” Bolen said. “NBAA and our members will continue to use our unique position and resources to help Flights to Freedom fight to protect children and other victims of human trafficking.”
NBAA and its members have participated and supported the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking. The Blue Campaign and DHS’ related Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI) train the private sector to spot the signs of human trafficking and know how to report the crime. More than 200,000 personnel in the aviation industry have been trained through the BLI. Actionable tips from business aviation are consistently reported to law enforcement.
Flights to Freedom (myflightstofreedom.org) says “every minute counts” to rescue child and human trafficking victims, and general aviation aircraft “allow us to bypass logistical delays, access remote airports, and launch urgent rescue missions with minimal notice. Survivors can begin their journey to safety within hours, not days.”
Human trafficking occurs in all 50 states and has become one of the fastest growing criminal activities in the world. It is estimated to be a $150 billion-a-year global industry.
